One of the most interesting aspects of mathematics is a linear function.
Represented by a straight line on a graph, a linear function is quite useful. It is written as: y= f(x) = a + bx.
Linear functions and linear equations are often confused, although they are two different concepts. To fully understand the concept of a linear function, it is essential to differentiate between the two.
Interestingly, linear functions have many practical uses. From calculating the rate of change to calculating finances, linear functions can be used to solve it all.
Knowing the right concepts and equations can help you pinpoint a linear function quite easily. There are similarities between finding the equation of a line and finding a linear function.
To know more interesting linear function facts, continue reading!
Types Of Linear Functions
To begin with, linear functions are nothing but a combination of a dependant and an independent variable whose graph is a straight line. Linear functions cannot be sub-divided into categories, but linear equations can be broadly categorized into four types. These are direct variation, standard form, slope-intercept form, and point-slope form.
Direct variations contain a pair of variables that are directly proportional to each other. This is usually represented in the general slope-intercept form.
A standard form of a linear equation contains two independent variables, namely x and y, and is represented by ax + by = c. Here a, b, and c are positive and negative integers having finite values.
The slope-intercept form is usually defined as the equation used in calculating the slope of a straight line by taking into consideration its intercepts, or when the line crosses the x and y-axis in graphs.
The point-slope form is used to represent the straight-line ax + by = c using its two points x and y as well as its slope m.
Linear Function Vs. Linear Equation
Linear functions and linear equations are interdependent concepts that are useful in representing lines in a graph. However, some fundamental differences should be considered while defining the two points.
In a linear function, values are inserted to get the output. In a linear equation, the input value is obtained for a predetermined output.
A linear function can be written as a combination of more than one variable, and each of the terms are essentially a polynomial of degree one. It has one or two variables without exponents. So, f(x) = 7x + 9y is a classic example of a linear function.
Each of the terms is either a constant or the product of a constant of one variable. So, to conclude, linear equations can be used to describe linear functions.
In a linear equation, however, the highest power of the variable is one in simple algebraic expressions. It is also defined as an equation of degree one. The graph obtained from a linear equation is always a straight line. Most linear equations constitute a range of functions. For every value of x, there is a corresponding value of y.
Practical Usage Of Linear Functions
Like most other aspects of mathematics, a linear function can be used in your day-to-day life. In the real world, a linear function can be applied to situations ranging from change of rates (at a constant rate) to pricing problems.
These days, most people use movie streaming services. A linear function can be applied in this scenario while calculating the total fee you have to pay your service provider.
For instance, if the streaming service provider has a fixed monthly charge of $5.00, and charges $0.50 for every movie that has been downloaded, then the total fee that needs to be paid can be represented as f(x) = 0.5x + 5, where x stands for the number of movies that have been downloaded that month.
With a linear function it is also possible to incorporate multiple equations.
This usage of a linear function can be easily demonstrated with a problem about moving trains.
If trains A and B are 500 mi (804.6 km) away from each other, and if train A is moving towards train B with a speed of 50 mph (80.4 kph), while the latter is moving at a speed of 80 mph (128.7 kph) towards train A, then with the help of a linear function, you can easily determine at what time the trains will meet and also measure the distance they traveled to meet at that point in time.
All you have to do is input values in the equation: y = mx + b.
Subsequently, graphs can also be used to draw the two lines, and the point where the lines cross each other will give you the required distance and time values.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of a linear function?
The main characteristic of a linear function is that it represents a straight line. Furthermore, it has two variables, namely, an independent variable and a dependent variable. The independent variable is x and the dependent variable is y.
What are the three key features of a linear function?
The characteristic form of a linear function is written as: y= f(x)= a+bx. Here, x represents the independent variable, whereas y is the dependent variable. Furthermore, b stands for the coefficient of the independent variable.
How do you determine a linear function?
A linear function can be determined by comparing it with the equation y = mx+b. This is because linear functions are in this form, while non-linear functions are not.
What does a linear function represent?
A linear function is used to represent a straight line.
How do you find the domain of a linear function?
The method to determine the domain of a linear function is pretty straightforward. To do so, all you have to do is identify the x-coordinate sets present on the function's graph.
What does a linear function look like?
On a coordinate plane, a linear function would resemble a straight line.
How do you find a linear function?
It is a simple process to find a linear function. Usually, the slope-intercept form and the point-slope form are used to pinpoint a linear function. Overall, the process is quite similar to how the equation of a line can be found.
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature.
With a background in digital marketing, Niyati brings her expertise to ensure accuracy and authenticity in every piece of content. She has previously written articles for MuseumFacts, a history web magazine, while also handling its digital marketing. In addition to her marketing skills, Niyati is fluent in six languages and has a Commerce degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has also been recognized for her public speaking abilities, holding the position of Vice President of Education at the Toastmasters Club of Pune, where she won several awards and represented the club in writing and speech contests at the area level.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.